In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which Eastern Conference team currently outside of the playoffs is most likely to get in.
Todd Cordell
The Florida Panthers.
Their playoff chances once seemed slim to none but an 8-2-0 run has gotten them right back in the thick of things.
Since dropping Jonathan Huberdeau to the 2nd line to get Vincent Trocheck some more help, and balance things out, they've had two 1st lines. With the emergence of Michael Matheson they also have a really strong top-4 and Roberto Luongo has given them excellent goaltending since returning from injury.
The Panthers are playing well, they have games in hand on their direct competitors (Carolina, Columbus, etc.), and they still play the likes of Ottawa (x2), Montreal (x2), Buffalo (x1), and Arizona (x1).
I think they're going to sneak in.
Jared Crozier I wouldn't have thought it, but the Atlantic might just get that fourth playoff team, and at this point it is a pretty obvious answer.
The Florida Panthers are playing some great hockey right now, and they have 8 of their remaining 20 games against the Senators, Habs, Sabres, Oilers and Coyotes, all among the bottom 6 teams in the league.
They have won 5 straight and 12 of 15 since the All-Star break buoyed by the return of Roberto Luongo, although the turnaround started well before he came back from injury.
They are in the midst of a stretch where they are playing 11 of 12 on the road, but nearing the half-way point of that run they have won their 5 straight away from home.
Whatever they are doing, the Panthers need to keep that up and maintain their road success to reel in the Canes and Blue Jackets, both of whom Florida trails by just one point while holding 3 games in hand. Carolina and Columbus both have tougher schedules as well, with each just having 4 games left against the bottom 6 teams in the league.
It would actually be a shock if the Panthers didn't end up in the post-season at this point in time the way things are sitting right now.
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